Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I heard the clouds thunder as I was working on my latest project one night. It had been storming all day, so me and my partner had decided to stay inside. I looked up from my work for a moment and stared over at the window next to my desk. Lightning flashed across the sky before I looked away.

The night before, I had to help bring in tons of plants and flowers before the storm hit so they wouldn't be ruined. Their garden means a lot to them. However, that did take a big chunk out of my work time, not that I didn’t want to help them, but I didn't have much time before it’s due date. It was an extremely delicate project, so I couldn't exactly rush it, either. I didn’t have any time to mess around.

I heard the door creak again. I loved them, but I wished they’d stop bothering me when I was busy.

I sighed. I didn’t even bother to turn around this time.

“I’m busy. I don’t have time right now. Later, okay?”

The same thing I had been repeating every half hour. I decided to stop looking about a few hours ago. I couldn’t waste a single second on anything.

I heard the door slam before hearing them stomp off.

Oh my God. Are they serious? What is their issue?

I’m busy right now! What don’t they understand? I can always talk to them when I’m NOT busy, can’t I? I just need a few more hours! Jeez.

…

What time is it anyways?

I looked up at the clock.

oh.

That’s why.

I had been promising to make hot chocolate and cuddle and watch silly Christmas movies with them since 9 am.

Well. Technically three days now. Not just since this morning.

I guess I let my work get the better of me, because I hadn’t realized that it was now 11 pm.

Had I really been working for that long?.. How did I not hear the shower go off? Did they eat? Did the cats eat?

I set my tools down and stood up. I walked to our bedroom and gently pushed the door open.

They were turned away from the door, bundled up in blankets and stuffed animals and pillows that muffled the alarming weeping and whining. They were resting on the side of the bed that I usually slept on.

“Oh, honey..”

I said in a pitiful tone.

They were mad. And no sweet talk or pet names or cuddling would fix that.

“Leave me- hic!- a-aLONE! I- mm.. don-don’t want- to, talk to you- hic!- ri-right now..” They whimpered out.

I looked down, shameful. I left the room and gently shut the door behind me.

How could I be so neglectful? All they wanted was a few hours of time with me. I felt horrible. I looked over at the couch.

I felt my heart shatter.

They had arranged an entire little platter of treats and snacks for us to eat while watching the polar express. S’mores, home-baked peppermint cookies, brownies, cupcakes, and even hot chocolate!

…

I’m a horrible boyfriend.

Chapter Text

I sat on the couch, one of our cats, Ghost, curling up by my side.

"hi, sweet boy..", I looked as I brushed my calloused fingers through his soft, white fur.. Over his aching bones. Ghost was getting old. An old kitty indeed. As I looked at his small frame, his eyes closed in contentment as he purred, I realized that I only had so much time with my loved ones.

Especially them.

I was paying so much attention to my work, I didn't remember I needed to give the love of my life attention, too.

Ghost's tiny legs and weak body trembled slightly as he stood. He ambled off of the couch as I carefully watched, making sure he didn't injure himself. He looked towards our bedroom door and looked up at me with curious eyes.

" I think they wanna be left alone right now, buddy.". I stood up, my back stiff and my body cold. I stretched, my lower back letting out a satisfying pop. "Alright.."

I picked Ghost up and moved him away from the door. "They're not in the mood for snuggles, buddy.. I'm so sorry.."

He meowed at me, as if asking for an explanation.

.. I frowned.

I sighed.

I cradled Ghost in my arms and sat back down on the couch.

"Streber upset them, buddy.. I made them upset.".

After setting Ghost down in my lap, I pinched the bridge of my nose.

" you know, I, reallyyy wanna hold and cuddle and kiss them too, buddy.. But they need their alone time, okay? ".

Ghost hopped off of my lap and walked off, leaving me alone.

Weird kitty.

I sat back, looking at the platter of sweetly arranged snacks and hot chocolate. By now, the cookies were stale and the hot chocolate was cold.

Moving my gaze to the kitchen, I saw multiple sets of hot chocolate kits, filled with yummy sprinkles and different flavors of hot chocolate.

I thought back to when I had watched them pick them up in the store, the biggest smile on their face and giggles that never seemed to leave.

I could've seen more of that cute smile and heard more of their adorable little giggles if I took even one second away from my work.

My project was finished.

What else did I forget to do today?...

...

About 30 minutes later, after making sure the cats were fed, making sure we had enough food for dinner, enough yummy snacks and supplies for hot chocolate..

I knocked at the door.